Our Team

BYS Staff

We currently have an exceptional team of 7 experienced and well-qualified staff and some casual workers. Approximately 8 co-workers, employed by other organisations, regularly work with our team at the YAC in Byron and we are committed to training the next generation of youth workers by mentoring students that are studying courses within the Community Services training package.

Tools of the Trade: Diploma in Community Services, Certificate in Business

Work History: Have been Working with BYS since 2006. Started off as a volunteer helping with the lunch time program. Progressed to a work placement for my certificate IV in Community Services and then was offered a position as the communication co-ordinator which evolved into the current role.

Where did you grow up? I grew up on the island of Malta with my parents, 3 sisters and brother in a very safe and loving environment with lots of support from other family members, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins!

Why BYS? As soon as I started my volunteering at BYS I decided that I had to work here and somehow made it happen! The environment, the staff, the reputation of the organisation and the young people that come into our lives every day!

What makes you feel young? My children, dancing, hanging out with friends, keeping in touch with young people!

Not many people know this but... Being a finalist in Hey Hey it's Saturday!!!

Work History: Lots of this and that in my early days. HIV Intervention worker @ Byron Community Health Centre, the past 13 years @ BYS

Where did I grow up? Rural heartland, Albury with one brother now deceased. Lots of bush, animals, holidays by the sea coupled with a strong drinking culture, pubs and breaking the law.

Why BYS? I kind of landed at BYS. My dear friend Melissa (also now deceased) talked me into the interview and I’ve never looked back really. I love the people I work with, mainly women, we’re all very different but believe the same things are important. I LOVE the young people; it’s always so rowdy, interesting, chaotic, hopeful, inspiring, fun and unpredictable.

What makes me feel young: Hanging with young people, travel, travel, travel and tromping around the wetlands and estuaries photographing the birds.

Not many people know this …. Hmmm don’t really need to go there, it’s the present that counts. Suffice to say that I lived in Sth East Asia, India for many years and gave birth to my first child in a mission hospital in Nepal. A whole other life, which most people wouldn’t believe and few are left to remember.

All that matters now are the young people, the birds, family, travel, friends and my grandsons!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Kempsey NSW with much of my time spent with family by the Ocean at South West Rocks & Crescent Head. I left home at 17 & moved to Sydney to pursue a career as a chef. Sydney had a great live music scene & was a magic place for young people. I stayed in Sydney until I was 26 then moved back to the North Coast

Why BYS? BYS is an amazing & unique organisation doing great things for young people. I love my job; I am constantly impressed by the resilience & intelligence of the young people I meet here & I get to work with the most awesome team of co-workers as well!

What makes you feel young? No doubt about it, surfing beautiful clean waves with baby dolphins is my secret to staying young

Not many people know this but... I sang in the church choir when I was in school, then gave up gospel to sing the Jazz as the front voice for my High school’s 26 piece Jazz Band. It wasn’t too long before I fell under the powerful spell of Rock n Roll, becoming lead singer in a Garage Band called Golden Void (I think we stole that name off a record cover)! The band went on to be moderately successful in the country pub circuit around Port Macquarie but by then I had packed my bags for the city life & didn’t look back.